Are you looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe to elevate your next meal? Look no further! This dill bread recipe with cottage cheese is a delightful addition to any table, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or weekend baking adventures. This recipe delivers a soft, subtly tangy bread infused with the fresh aroma of dill, creating a truly satisfying and healthy meal. Let's dive into this easy recipe and discover the magic of homemade cooking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat, your preference)
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried dill)
- Optional: Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, egg, and cottage cheese until well combined. The cottage cheese might initially appear lumpy, but it will blend in as you add the flour.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
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Incorporate Dill: Gently fold in the chopped fresh dill.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf or rolls, depending on your preference. Place the shaped dough in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If using rolls, baking time might be slightly shorter, around 20-25 minutes.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade dill bread with cottage cheese!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Dill Bread:
- Yeast Quality: Use fresh yeast for the best results. Expired yeast may not activate properly.
- Water Temperature: Ensure the water is the correct temperature (105-115°F) for optimal yeast activation. Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold will slow down the rising process.
- Don't Overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough bread. Knead only until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Rising Time: Rising times may vary depending on the temperature and humidity of your environment.
Variations:
- Garlic Dill Bread: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic along with the dill.
- Herb Bread: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Cheese Bread: Add shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the ingredients used (e.g., full-fat vs. low-fat cottage cheese). For a more precise calculation, use a nutritional calculator online. Generally, this bread provides a good source of protein from the cottage cheese and complex carbohydrates from the flour.
This simple dill bread recipe with cottage cheese is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's surprisingly versatile and delicious, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful aroma and satisfying taste of this homemade treat!